Longtime Political Prisoner & “Model Inmate”, Marshall “Eddie” Conway prevented from attending Mother’s funeral

I’d like to publicly express my prayers and condolences to Mr. Marshall “Eddie” Conway and family in light of the passing of his mother. Mr. Conway is Maryland’s longest serving political prisoner incarcerated 40 years ago while serving in Baltimore’s Black Panther Party. Activists and concerned citizens from Baltimore have been contacting the appropriate authorities requesting that Mr. Conway be given permission to attend his mother’s funeral. Here is the response from Secretary Gary Maynard from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to Ms. Bezold:

June 16, 2010

Dear Ms. Bezold:

Thank you for your request on behalf of Mr. Marshall Conway regarding his attending the funeral service of his mother. As you know, Mr. Conway is housed at the Jessup Correctional Institution and has requested permission to attend. I understand the service will be on June 17, 2010 at March’s Funeral Home in Baltimore, Maryland.

I would first like to express my sincere condolences regarding Mr. Conway’s loss. I know that this is a difficult time for his family, friends and loved ones. However, at this time I am unable to approve Mr. Conway’s request as Maryland state law prohibits the temporary release of inmates who are not classified within the Maryland Pre-Release System. Although Mr. Conway is highly respected among his peers and has been a model inmate during his time within our State correctional facility, it is not possible for me to approve this request as he is classified as medium security.

However, in an effort to accommodate the family, Gary Hornbaker, Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Correction, has approved a special visit for Mr. Conway and his family at the Jessup Correctional Institution. Warden John Wolfe and the Chaplain at JCI will be in contact with Mr. Conway to facilitate a private visit.

I hope you find this a suitable alternative. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me, Warden John Wolfe or Assistant Commissioner Gary Hornbaker.

Sincerely,

Gary D. Maynard
Secretary

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Tags: baltimore, Black Panther Party, Marshall Eddie Conway, Maryland, Political Prisoner